Everyone’s busy these days, so the decision about what to read is a big one. There are hundreds of great publications and websites out there that are filled with valuable news and information. Deciding which ones to read regularly depends largely on what market segment you are in and what role you play in your company. Here are a few key publications to consider:

Some of the Attractions at the World’s Greatest Automotive Show

The SEMA Show is the world’s largest automotive trade show, but it’s much more than that. It’s a museum, a looking glass into the future, a university, a carnival, a catalog of innovation, a media frenzy and an incubator for tomorrow’s industry leaders. In short, from Tuesday, October 30–Friday, November 2, it’s the place where every automotive professional should be and where every auto enthusiast wishes he or she could be.

The Chairman of ConvExx Talks About Priorities at the SEMA Show

Chuck and Susan Schwartz, both of whom are Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), are the driving forces behind ConvExx, the company that manages the SEMA Show. They bring more than 45 years of experience in exhibition production and management to the Show, and their company includes eight additional team members who carry CEM credentials.

Providing product training to retailers and installers helps them sell. Understanding what a product does allows the end user to take advantage of its full capabilities. The SEMA Show will help bring both concepts to fruition through a series of product training sessions that will be conducted by exhibitors, allowing a complete understanding of how products can best be installed, used and marketed.

70+ Products to Be Unveiled at the 2012 SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is all about innovation and creativity. For a taste of what’s coming at the 2012 event, check out the more than 70 new products previewed here. During the Show, head to the upper level of South Hall for a look at the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Products Showcase at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 30–November 2, 2012.

Helping International Buyers Find You at the SEMA Show

In a post-SEMA Show survey, exhibitors identified meeting potential new international customers and developing relationships with overseas buyers as an increasingly important goal. Exhibitors also felt that there was an increased international presence, with more global attendees at the 2011 SEMA Show than in the past several years—and they were correct! More than 25% of all buyers at the 2011 SEMA Show were from more than 100 nations outside the United States.

Put Your New and Featured Products Front and Center

Each year, hundreds of specialty-equipment businesses debut their newest products at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. If you’re an exhibitor in search of buyer and press attention for your latest and greatest innovations, there’s no better way to get it than the Ideas Alive: Featuring the New Product Showcase section.

A Tidal Wave of New Exhibitors Have Committed to the 2012 SEMA Show

Last year, more than 600 hundred companies came to the SEMA Show for the first time, bringing their hottest products. It’s still early, but all indications are that the final count of first-time exhibitors will be just as strong for SEMA 2012. For buyers, this will be the year’s best opportunity to connect with new manufacturers and suppliers.

Early Preparation Is the Key to a Successful Show

The SEMA Show draws hundreds of new exhibitors every year. Six hundred companies were first-time exhibitors at last year’s Show, and this year’s Show is expected to surpass that number. In fact, there is an entire section of the floor dedicated solely to new and featured exhibitors.

Exhibiting for the first time at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas may seem daunting, but the association and ConvExx, the Show’s organizers, provide a wealth of information about how to prepare, get set up and ensure the best return on investment. From learning the lingo to keeping track of sales leads, there are plenty of resources that will help first-timers—and seasoned veterans—connect with the right buyers for the best partnerships. It all begins with a visit to the official Show website and the Exhibitor Manual.